Family-Friendly SUVs in India: Kia Sonet vs Hyundai Exter
When choosing a family-friendly SUV in India, space and practicality top the list of priorities. Today’s buyers seek more than just stylish looks and powerful engines—they want a vehicle that offers comfort, practicality, and is packed with safety and tech features to make daily commutes safer, easier, and more entertaining.
Among the compact SUVs attracting family car buyers are the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Exter. The Sonet is well-known for its tech-rich interiors and premium feel, while the Exter impresses with smartly designed elements that enhance everyday usability. Both SUVs come with five seats, spacious boots, and a host of features tailored for family needs.
Seating & Cabin Comfort
Both the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Exter are fairly spacious, but they cater to families differently. The Kia Sonet, a popular name in the Indian automotive space, offers a premium, technology-loaded cabin experience, making it an ideal comfort zone for family members.
On the other hand, the Hyundai Exter features an innovative interior layout that maximizes space efficiency, creating greater convenience for daily family drives.
Kia Sonet: Practical Highlights
- Seats 5 passengers with supportive seating designed for long journeys.
- Boot space of 385 litres—adequate for a family’s weekend luggage.
- 45-litre fuel tank capacity ensures fewer refuelling stops on highways.
- Engine output: 120 PS @ 6000 rpm and 250 Nm torque @ 1500–2750 rpm, delivering strong highway performance.
Safety Package (15 Standard Features)
- Front dual airbags
- Front seat side airbags
- Side curtain airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Brake Assist (BAS)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
- Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
- Rear parking sensors
- Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
- Highline tyre pressure monitor
- Speed-sensing auto door locks
- Impact-sensing auto door unlock
- 3-point seat belts for all passengers
- Seatbelt reminder for all seats
Tech & Connectivity
- Next-gen Kia Connect with 70+ features
- Smartwatch and Amazon Alexa connectivity
- 26.03 cm (10.25”) HD touchscreen with navigation
- Full digital instrument cluster with 26.04 cm LCD MID
- OTA maps and software updates
- Bose premium 7-speaker sound system
Convenience Features
- 360-degree camera with blind view monitor
- Ventilated front seats
- Smart Pure Air Purifier with virus and bacteria protection
- Electric sunroof
- 4-way power adjustable driver’s seat
- All-door one-touch power windows with safety
Hyundai Exter: Practical Highlights
- Boot space of 391 litres, offering slightly more luggage room than the Sonet.
- 37-litre fuel tank, sufficient for city driving and short highway trips.
- Engine output: 83 PS @ 6000 rpm and 113.8 Nm torque @ 4000 rpm, promising a smooth driving experience.
Safety & Assistance Features
- 6 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Rear defogger and headlamp escort system
- Automatic headlamps
- Speed-sensing auto door locks
- Impact-sensing auto door unlock
- Central locking and driver-only inside handle override
Tech & Connectivity
- 20.32 cm (8”) HD infotainment system with Bluelink
- Multiple regional UI languages
- Home-to-car (H2C) connectivity with Alexa
- OTA updates for maps and infotainment
- Voice-enabled smart electric sunroof
- Android Auto & Apple CarPlay support
- Ambient nature sounds for a relaxing in-car environment
Family-Focused Space & Practicality Comparison
- Boot Space: Hyundai Exter slightly leads with 391 litres compared to Kia Sonet’s 385 litres.
- Cabin Technology: Kia Sonet offers a more premium feel with larger touchscreen displays and a Bose sound system, while Hyundai Exter focuses on simplicity with support for regional languages and ambient sounds.
- Fuel Tank: Sonet’s 45-litre tank is larger than Exter’s 37-litre, enabling longer drives without frequent refuelling.
- Safety: Both SUVs feature robust safety equipment; however, Sonet’s comprehensive 15-standard safety features and six airbags provide an edge.
Which SUV Feels More Practical?
If you prioritize greater luggage capacity and city-friendly practicality, the Hyundai Exter might be the better fit for your family. On the other hand, if you desire premium creature comforts, advanced safety technology, and a more luxurious experience for long journeys, the Kia Sonet will likely appeal more.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Exter ultimately depends on your family’s specific needs and preferences. The Hyundai Exter shines as an intelligent urban SUV designed to optimize everyday usability, especially with its additional boot space. Meanwhile, the Kia Sonet stands out with its premium technology, enhanced safety features, and larger fuel tank for long-haul trips.
Both SUVs are pragmatic choices in their own right, and families must weigh the trade-offs between everyday practicality and upscale luxury before deciding which SUV to park in their garage.
